Tuesday, September 06, 2005

snake eyes

Linking up global warming with peak energy / oil has been one of a primary themes on this blog. Hurricane Katrina has brought this siamese twin meme in into high relief.

Global warming, caused by burning an excess of carbon fuels too quickly, has warmed oceans and energized hurricanes, raising the odds that one would barrel through the Gulf region, devastating oil and gas production, as has just happened. Jackpot. All the bells rung, and doubloons piled up on the floor.

Now, re-revealed occult wisdom for Americans who have had so much for so long: Go 5 days without water, and you might die. Hopeless treks to a tossed Wal-Mart won’t save anyone -– that’s where one goes to harvest the bounty of the developing world, but what if the world stops developing?

George Bush sat at the table. He’d been there for hours, and beads of sweat were rolling down his sides. He felt as though he were sticking to his chair. Dame Condaleeza, wearing a floppy hat took a drag on her slender cigarette as she fanned sugar daddy. Drinks sat empty on the felt.

“Seventeen. Hit me,” said George. He eyed the dealer cards. The ceiling fan above took on a palpable wobble as George pawed at his chips.

The dealer paused.

“Are you sure?”

George smirked. “Hit me!”

A Queen of Hearts materialized. The dealer shrugged and began to collect the colored chips at the President’s elbow.

“Wait a minute!” George said, grabbing the dealers gloved hand. “No one could have predicted a Queen in this situation! It is unprecedented!”

The dealer shrugged. “Well, you’re busted,” said Cheney. He motioned to someone to refill drinks. “But at least you’re still the President.”